Mid-South Testing offers Transaction Screen Assessments (TSA) in Decatur, Alabama, and across North Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and the Southeast U.S. These quick, focused environmental reviews follow ASTM E1528-22 standards and give property buyers, lenders, and developers a clear snapshot of potential risks, helping you make smarter, more confident decisions without the time and cost of a full Phase I assessment.
For a personalized quote, contact Mid-South Testing directly by calling (256) 351-7900.
What Is a Transaction Screen Assessment (TSA)?
A Transaction Screen Assessment (TSA) is a quick check to spot potential environmental issues at a property. It follows ASTM E1528-22 standards and helps you see if a deeper review is needed. Unlike a Phase I ESA, a TSA doesn’t give CERCLA liability protection.
Mid-South Testing environmental experts will guide you through your environmental due diligence needs. Call us today: 256-351-7900.
Who Needs a TSA?
- Commercial Property Buyers: To assess environmental risks before purchase.
- Lenders and Investors: To evaluate potential liabilities.
- Property Owners: Seeking to understand environmental conditions.
- Developers and Brokers: Requiring preliminary environmental assessments.
- Legal Professionals: Needing due diligence documentation.
It is particularly useful for properties with low to moderate environmental risk, such as undeveloped land, rural areas, or properties with minimal industrial history. Learn more about ASTM E1528-22 Standard for Limited Environmental Due Diligence here.
Why and When You Should Consider a TSA
A Transaction Screen Assessment (TSA) is ideal for low-risk properties or when a full Phase I ESA isn’t initially required. It’s a practical first step that helps you:
- Identify potential issues early before they become costly
- Make smarter property decisions with clear information
- Manage environmental risk during transactions
- Save time and money compared to a full Phase I ESA

What’s Included?
- Questionnaire: Completed by property owners, occupants, or operators (Part A) and the preparer (Part B).
- Site Visit: Visual inspection of the property and adjacent areas.
- Regulatory Records Review: Examination of local, state, and federal environmental databases.
- Interviews: Discussions with current or past property users to gather historical information.
- Documentation: Compilation of findings into a report outlining potential environmental concerns
How Much Does a TSA Cost?
The cost of a TSA varies based on property size, location, and complexity. On average, a TSA is more affordable than a Phase I ESA, making it a cost-effective option for preliminary environmental due diligence.
For a specific quote, contact Mid-South Testing directly by calling (256) 351-7900.
What Does It Protect?
- Financial Investment – Avoid unexpected environmental liabilities
- Legal Standing – Demonstrate due diligence in property transactions
- Health and Safety – Identify potential hazards that could affect occupants or neighbors
- Regulatory Compliance – Stay aligned with federal, state, and local environmental rules
What’s the Difference Between TSA, RSRA, and Phase I ESA?
| Feature | Transaction Screen Assessment (TSA) | Records Search Risk Assessment (RSRA) | Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) |
| Purpose | Preliminary, limited review to identify potential environmental concerns | Identify historical environmental risks | Comprehensive due diligence to identify recognized environmental conditions (RECs) |
| Methods | Owner/occupant questionnaire, visual site inspection, basic regulatory & historical review | Review of historical and regulatory environmental records | Historical records review, site visit, interviews, regulatory database review |
| Protection | Guidance and early risk identification; does not provide CERCLA liability protection | Can support certain liability protections for lenders or owners; documents recognized environmental conditions (RECs) | Can support CERCLA liability protections (Innocent Landowner, Bona Fide Prospective Purchaser, Contiguous Property Owner defenses) |
| Reporting | Report highlighting potential environmental concerns and recommendations. | Report documenting historical environmental risks and regulatory compliance | Detailed report identifying RECs and guidance for next steps; may trigger Phase II ESA if needed |
| Outcome | “There might be a concern” | “There could be a historical risk” | “RECs identified; may need Phase II ESA” |
Ensure your property is protected. Call 256-351-7900 and let Mid-South Testing guide you through the process.
Related ESA Services
With over 45 years of experience, Mid-South Testing is a trusted source for environmental, civil, and geotechnical services across North Alabama, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and the Southeast. Our local expertise ensures accurate, timely assessments to keep your projects on track and compliant.
- Environmental Site Assessments Overview
- Records Search with Risk Assessment (RSRA)
- Phase I Environmental Site Assessments
- Phase II Environmental Site
- Phase III Environmental Site Assessments
